Every year hundreds of people are involved in accidents in Palisade and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, some of them will never walk away from the accident scene or wake up at the hospital. Instead, they succumb to their injuries, leaving behind grieving family members and unpaid medical bills. This is a difficult time, but the Palisade wrongful death lawyers at Cimarron Ridge Legal Group can help. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential consultation with a member of our law firm.
Why Wrongful Deaths Happen
Many of our clients lost a loved one in an accident caused by someone else’s negligent or wrongful conduct. Our Palisade wrongful death attorneys have assisted in cases stemming from:
- Car accidents
- Pedestrian accident
- Truck accidents
- Dog attacks
- Slip and falls
- Medical malpractice
- Defective products
Under the Colorado Wrongful Death Act, a surviving family member can bring a claim for compensation whenever the death is caused by the neglect, wrongful act, or default of another person or party. (CRS § 13-21-202). For example, a motorist might have been drunk or distracted or a doctor might have failed to follow the correct standard of care.
Initial Steps to Take
After receiving notification of the death, you might be in shock. However, now is the time to seek out experienced legal help. Colorado sets a strict statute of limitations which requires that wrongful death claims are filed within two years of death. Reaching out to a seasoned Palisade wrongful death attorney as soon as possible is a critical step.
Preserve whatever evidence you have, such as police reports or the names of witnesses. Your attorney can follow up and investigate.
Also save all medical bills or other receipts related to your loved one’s hospitalization or funeral and burial costs. Our clients can often be reimbursed for these expenses, but we need to establish the dollar amount.
There are many different reasons that motor vehicle crashes happen, and we regularly assist clients with numerous types of claim, including but not limited to accidents involving:
- Drunk driving;
- Distracted driving;
- Drowsy or fatigued driving;
- Reckless driving, including speeding and other traffic violations;
- Improper vehicle maintenance; and
- Auto product defects.
How Our Palisade Wrongful Death Attorneys Can Help
In addition to investigating the death, we can fully analyze your rights under the state’s Wrongful Death Act. For example, we can discuss:
- Whether you can sue. Under Colorado’s law, any surviving spouse has the initial right to bring this claim. Children can file suit if there is no surviving spouse or the spouse waits too long. Parents, by contrast, can only bring a claim if there is no spouse or surviving children.
- The amount of compensation available. Our clients have received damages to cover lost economic benefits, emotional distress, loss of companionship, and lost services. They can also receive damages for any medical bills or funeral costs paid.
- Whether you need to testify. If you are bringing a claim for loss of companionship or grief, then you might need to provide testimony in the form of a deposition or in court.
- Whether you should settle. Some defendants are eager to offer a fair settlement to keep the dispute out of court, while others are hesitant to offer reasonable compensation. No one should agree to a settlement without first meeting with legal counsel.
Call Our Palisade Wrongful Death Lawyers Today to Get Started
During this difficult time, surviving family members need help. Let us handle the legal work. Call our law firm today at (970) 644-5194 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-risk consultation.